Saving energy and money go hand-in-hand. We can all contribute to reducing Austin’s energy demand by making simple lifestyle changes and energy-efficient home improvements. When demand decreases, we all save. Austin Energy is committed to helping our customers achieve the greatest savings possible.

If you are noticing high energy bills, drafty rooms, and uneven temperature between rooms, you may need to replace the insulation in your building. Insulation provides resistance to heat flow, keeping heat out during our hot summers and keeping heat in during the winter. If heat flow is not properly resisted, air conditioning systems can become overworked, wasting money and energy. Proper insulation:

Improves energy efficiency

Lowers energy costs

Provides greater comfort

Insulation quality is measured in R-values. The R-value of your insulation measures the insulation’s resistance to heat. Insulation with higher R-values perform better per inch of thickness. If your building’s current ceiling and roof insulation has an overall R-value of R-15 or less and you add an R-value of R-8 or more, you may qualify for a rebate.

We also offer a rebate to add a reflective roof coating to your building. You may apply for either a ceiling and roof insulation or reflective roof coating rebate, but not both.

More Savings Opportunities for Small Businesses

Qualified small businesses, small non-profits, and houses of worship may also be eligible for a 30% bonus rebate on our standard commercial rebates. This bonus rebate applies only to retrofits for a wide range of improvements.

Also, Austin Energy’s Small Business Outreach Program provides small businesses, small non-profits, and houses of worship with free, personalized conservation and energy efficiency guidance to rebates and incentives offered by the City of Austin.

PACE Financing Available

Austin Energy provides various opportunities for our customers to purchase energy efficient technologies. Many of these reduce energy consumption, enhance comfort and indoor air quality for your customers. PACE is an effective financing approach. Travis and Williamson County PACE programs enable owners of non-profit, commercial, and industrial properties to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for water and energy efficiency improvements and solar generation retrofits.

Private sector lenders finance qualified improvements and property owners voluntarily agree to contractual assessments imposed on the property. PACE improvements generate positive cash flow with no out-of-pocket cost to the property owner. If the property is sold before the full amount is repaid, the repayment obligation automatically transfers to the next owner. PACE assessments complement Austin Energy incentive programs.

Other Energy Efficiency Incentives

Increasing energy efficiency in your building saves your business money. Our Commercial Rebates help you make energy efficiency improvements that can reduce operational costs by saving you money on your monthly bill. We provide rebates on these energy efficiency improvements and more:

General Requirements

If your business is located within the Austin city limits, the City of Austin Development Services Department can help you identify what you need. You can apply for your Austin Energy rebate while your project is under review at the "One Stop Shop." Early involvement in the planning process gives Austin Energy the opportunity to provide input. Call the One Stop Shop at 512-974-6370 if you have any questions about your project review.

If your business is located in another jurisdiction, please contact your local permitting authority.

Installations must exceed currently adopted City of Austin Energy Code.

All work must meet manufacturers’ standards and local, state, and national codes.

Installed equipment must be new and have at least a one-year warranty.

You must keep efficiency improvements in place for at least five years.

You agree to let Austin Energy schedule initial and final site visits.

Rebates cannot exceed 50% of the total job costs, including materials, installation, and tax. You must confirm the total project cost.

Backup or redundant systems are not eligible for rebates.

Austin Energy may request invoices and equipment specifications.

You assign all rights to environmental attributes and credits resulting from energy savings to Austin Energy. This includes renewable energy and carbon offset credits.

Apply for a Rebate Online

You can apply for your rebate online. To make applying easier, have all required information on hand before you start.

Comply with ECAD to Qualify for Rebate

If your building is over 10,000 sq ft, you must be in compliance with the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance. ECAD promotes energy efficiency by identifying potential energy savings for your business. You can now choose one of two reporting options that best serve your business.

Contact Austin Energy for More Information

Apply for Your Rebate Online

All rebate applications are online. You must submit your rebate application prior to installation (Austin Energy must approve any exceptions). You will receive your rebate within four to six weeks after we give final approval for your rebate application. We send your rebate check to the business listed on the Payee section of your application unless you specify otherwise.

The City Council approves projects where rebates could exceed the City Manager's administrative spending authority under the City Charter, which is $58,000 for fiscal year 2017. Please allow time for this approval.

The following information will be required for the Existing and New equipment:

Type of Insulation

R-value

Material Installed

Square Footage (above a/c space)

The following required documents will be needed to apply for a rebate:

W-9 (if account holder requests payment to a third party representative)

Letter of Authorization (if applicable)

Tips for Applying Online

Use a modern browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer 9 or higher.

You need to complete your online Commercial Rebate application in a single session.

To make applying easier, have all available information on hand before beginning the application.

If your application requires supporting documentation, such as invoices or sales receipts, you will need to scan or photograph these documents and upload into the application system. The system will accept any of the following file formats:

Adobe Acrobat PDF (.pdf)

Microsoft Word Document (.doc or .docx)

JPEG (.jpg)

ZIP (.zip)

Check your rebate status using the confirmation (enrollment) number you receive after the application submission. You will also need your City of Austin utility account number, if applicable.

Additional Documents

Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Offerings, program guidelines, and rebate levels are subject to change without notice. Rebate funds are encumbered (committed to be paid) during the fiscal year in which they are to be dispersed.

The Austin City Council must approve rebates of more than $61,000. The maximum combined rebate is $300,000 per customer site per fiscal year (October through September).